United Church of God members—brace yourselves for the profound spiritual exercise of the century: deeply reflect on your organization's name. Yes, that's right, folks. Pause your adoration of Jelly for a moment and ponder the cosmic significance of these immortal words: "United Church of God, an International Association." How well do you really understand what it means? How urgently do you need to figure out how to "support" that precious brand? Because clearly, that's the hill to die on.
Who needs soul-searching reflection on Jesus—the guy they supposedly follow—and all those pesky "implications" like love, humility, sacrifice, you know, the boring stuff? Nah. The real priority is navel-gazing over a corporate logo. The COG's ongoing plunge into ever-deeper levels of sheer absurdity is honestly breathtaking. Truly inspiring work.
If someone is actually following Christ (as they loudly claim), the church name should be about as relevant as the color of the carpet in the office building. People would just see living examples of Jesus walking among them. Except... yeah, that has literally never happened. And "united"? Please. They've never managed to stay united longer than it takes for the next power struggle to brew.
But hey, apparently slapping "Church of God" on your splinter group's letterhead instantly makes it the One True Church™. Never mind the hundreds (thousands?) of other splinters who've proudly worn that label over the decades—95% of whom never actually represented Jesus or followed Him in any meaningful way. They all just end up as fertilizer after passing through the Big Sandy "digester." Poof—gone, forgotten, irrelevant. All those tithes? Down the memory hole. What a legacy.
And let's not forget the word "united" in their fancy title. When, pray tell, has the UCG ever been united? Oh right—that massive, glorious split where the church got torn to shreds, a huge chunk of the ministry and members stormed off to form COGWA, and everyone involved practiced peak brotherly love by stabbing each other in the back with gusto. Truly the pinnacle of Christian unity. Bravo. Keep reflecting on that name, though—I'm sure it'll fix everything.
From the President...
What’s in Our Name?
Our organization’s name, United Church of God, an International Association, (UCGIA) was developed by those who assembled at Indianapolis, Indiana in May of 1995. The components of our Church’s name have important aspects.
“Church of God”
This is the core of the name because it is the Bible’s most frequent designation for the New Testament body of believers. An example is an instruction to the elders whom Jesus appointed as shepherds of His sheep: “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). It conveys God’s direction for unity in belief, mission and purpose for which Jesus prayed, “Holy Father, keep through Your namethose whom You have given Me” (John 17:11, emphasis added).
“United”
“That they may be one as We are” (John 17:11). This word signifies that we are striving for oneness with God and each other in our commitment to faithfully follow the way of life established by God and His Son, Jesus Christ, in the Holy Scriptures. Adding “United” to the “Church of God” also helps distinguish our organization’s name from many others and underscores our identity.
“an International Association”
This was added to appropriately reflect the worldwide scope of the Church and its activities as Jesus instructed: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). The founding elders recognized it as an association of global, national councils working in unity with the Council of Elders with support from the U.S. home office. Paul’s writings reflect the broad work of God’s Church throughout the world: “Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God” (1 Corinthians 10:32).
The full name with “an International Association” italicized also serves the practical purpose of differentiating the U.S.-registered entity from our international entities registered as UGC-Canada, UCG-Australia, UCG-East Africa, etc.
So, the name United Church of God reflects both theological grounding (Church of God from Scripture), practical distinctiveness (United), and an International Association (IA) reflects the collaborative nature of the work around the world.
The recognition of God as supreme Head, His Spirit and Word as our catalysts of unity in doctrine and love, and His calling of saints from every nation, tribe and tongue all combine in our name. These elements He has provided to us at this time.
A good question for each of us is, “How closely am I aligned with the meanings of my church, the United Church of God, an International Association?” Now is a great time to consider how these elements are reflected in our personal lives. Only by truly aligning with what each term represents does the Church’s name genuinly reflect that I am a part of it. One tool I have found helpful is our booklet, “This is the United Church of God.” Let's take time to deeply understand our individual responsibility to live out these terms as true members in Christ’s body.
Jesus never said to reflect upon the name of the church you are in and see how well everyone is aligned with the name of your church. What garbage!
Jesus laid out some very clear (and often challenging) expectations for those who want to truly follow Him as His disciples. These come directly from His teachings in the Gospels, particularly in passages like the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), the call to discipleship, and the Great Commission.Here are the core expectations Jesus repeatedly emphasized:
In essence, Jesus asks for a complete reorientation of life around Him, demanding total commitment, transformation, and active love for God and humanity, lived out publicly and privately.Supremacy of Love for God: Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, prioritizing Him above all earthly relationships, even family and self.Sacrificial Love for Others: Love your neighbors and enemies, forgive those who wrong you, and serve the poor and downtrodden.Radical Transformation: Live a life mirroring Christ's example, becoming an agent of change, goodness, and truth in the world, not just a believer.Follow and Obey: Follow Jesus' commands and teachings, making Him the center of your life and allowing Him to lead.Bearing the Cross: Be willing to suffer and carry your own cross, embracing sacrifice and self-denial for His sake.Practical Implications:Mission & Witness: Go and make disciples, teaching others to obey Jesus' commands, and be His light in darkness.Spiritual Discipline: Engage in prayer and fasting, relying on God, not self.Living Sacrifice: Offer your whole life as a "living sacrifice" to God, demonstrating devotion.Perseverance: Expect persecution and hardship, but find reward in God's grace and eternal life.
63 comments:
if I didn't know better, I'd be wondering if this were their New Years Resolution!
I've heard the distinction made between milk and meat, but what's the metaphor that comes before milk?
I'm a UCG member, and I must say I was shocked to read Elliot's letter on our member site. We are told more and more to focus upon things like this than on Christ, and it is really disturbing to me. I truly believe our days as a church are numbered, or maybe mine is, or both.
Splinter names are aspirational, and usually tell us a lot about what a group actually is not.
The Living Church of God is spiritually dead, a bunch of Laodiceans pretending to be Philadelphians.
The Philadelphia Church of God has never practiced brotherly love, and has become the Church of Gerald instead of a Church of God.
The United Church of God is disunited in almost every measure other than corporate registration.
COGWA is neither Worldwide nor worldwide.
Restored Church of God has discarded rather than restored WCG doctrine.
Each splinter's name will reveal its most serious flaws.
what's the metaphor that comes before milk?
Poison?
"I'm a UCG member ... "
Can you prove that?
How about focusing on Jesus instead of "Christ"?
When your identity isn’t in Christ, it’ll be in anything else. Little children, keep yourself from idols
At least he didn't ask people to study the church seal. I heard a message in the old WCG specifically on that.
"Jesus asks for a complete reorientation of life around Him, demanding total commitment, transformation, and active love for God and humanity, lived out publicly and privately."
Jesus nailed the law to the cross and we do not need to obey it anymore? Salvation is easy now?
Comment was made stating: "...A good question for each of us is, “How closely am I aligned with the meanings of my church, the United Church of God, an International Association?”..."
******
Yes, Joe Tkach Junior often made reference to "my church," and that it probably was.
There was no more reference to God's Church that there was the Good News.
The emphasis seemed to wrap around SELF, me, my...as in "my church" in lieu of God's Church.
And as far as United is concerned, United is an Ass., i.e. an Association.
What is most important in the phrase "United church of god?" Those of that association think it is the word United. It's like a train. United is like the Train's engine out front...and god trails along at the end? Oh, God is like a caboose.
United church of god an international association is passive.
The phrase "God's Church" is active.
Why couldn't one of the splintered xcogs call themselves: "God's Church," or "God's Worldwide Church," where the word God is out front, most important, then bring up the adjective Worldwide aspect if they are truly that, and then on the end would be the word "Church," but God would remain most important, out front in that phrase.
I have a copy of "This Is the United Church of God" booklet, latest copyright date of 2016, which I picked up from a United Ass. congregation in Orlando, FL, and it is so outdated that page 33 shows a photograph of their 12-member Council of Elders, comprising longtime experienced ministers...and one individual on that Council pictured is a Mark Mickelson, who left the United Ass. some years ago and, yes, started up another splinter-group called "A Short Work."
Of course, they do need to revise some of their doctrines, which are not wholly truth, but espouse false theories.
There are probably hundreds, if not thousands, of groups using the phrase "Church of God," so just having that in their name does not make the God's Church: something God actually established/planted:
"But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up." Matthew 15:13
Would United or any xcog considering changing their name to something like God's Church, or God's Worldwide Church, although they should not do such a thing if they are something else other than God's Church, whether it was Worldwide or not?
Time will tell...
John
Hypocrites for your wages come from UCG. How ungrateful you really are. How entitled and arrogant.
Wallowing in your never ending cynicism. Completley unchastisable with zero wisdom and discernment.
President Elliot is putting in print how people in UCG should be respectful for what UCG represents. Do you not stop in your shadow double life and think it could be a warning shot across the bows of your blog ? Your lifestyle?
What is 1:35 supposed to do? Scan, cut, and paste his or her baptismal certificate?
Cynicism in full negative bloom.
Matthew 18:17 "..and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector." So there's no unity between the repented and unrepentant. Yet the ACOG culture has always been to ignore Matthew 18:17, fake reality, and pretend that unrepentant members don't exist. All for the sake of numbers and income. Which is why the frequent 'sacrifice' talk. Members are expected to tolerate being eaten alive by those the bible demands be shunned. All in the noble name of "unity."
This moral compromise is why these groups keep splintering.
My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
They pay poverty wages, man. That's why I had to take up pimpin those UCG bitchez and hoez. And pimpin aint easy, playa.... but it sure is fun!
Well, originally, it was Herbie and "the bomb". That's what built the R/WCG. He tapped into and weaponized the fear, and many, thinking he actually had the solution, joined up. The problem today is that there are so many existential threats that we as a society have learned to say "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" Or, alternately, "Carpe Diem!".
Still, if UCG can't somehow tap into all the things which are going on around us, and to find a way to effectively market their product, then they've completely lost it. Armstrongism does not sell well in times of peace and tranquility. People will only turn to that lifestyle out of sheer fear!
I will say that this is not a really good point in time to be binge watching the Keifer Sutherland TV Series "24"! That, and the various ideas discussed in the series are now way too similar to daily reality! And, the ACOGs can't do anything with that???
They should call it the Nuclear End-Times Church of God. The risk of nuclear war now is greater than it was in the Cold War.
But one must enter at the strait and narrow gate. And many are called but few are chosen. These are conflicting scriptures that seem to have no resolution. Religion is full of holes.
Huh? You mean Jesus isn't Christ?
“UCG Members Asked To Reflect Upon Their Church Name And Its Meaning”
Good idea.
The disUnited Church of Godlessness, an International Abomination.
Think about that.
Jesus is the straight and narrow gate. Love the Lord and Love others. Those are the commandments of the new covenant.
And the promise is eternal life. There is simplicity in Christ, but it is completely accomplished by faith and trust in Him.
Works of law do not save. Works are faith are evidence of the salvation received. Works of faith look like the Good Samaritan, not the Pharisee.
And here all this time I thought that UNITED, was suppose to be "YOU and I and TED" (armstrong)
Tithe receipts should suffice.
Sounds like a bunch of self-serving contradictory jumbo to me.
I was waiting for you.
Years ago, there was an interview on TV with Ice T, at his very opulent home with his family.
He showed the interviewer his cars, His Beamer had personalized plates that read PMPN8EZ. Somehow it got past the California censors. Way cool!
Maybe not, F/G. Some of the coworkers tithe.
Well, I smell trouble brewing. Next thing you know someone's gonna be demanding to see our 1040's, and examine all our 1099's to prove we're not UCG ministers.
RSK: Quick question. Is your side hussle with the bitchez and hoez organized as official church activity, and are our payments considered to be donations to the church? Glad to hear you are closely involved with them. Good way of maintaining quality control!
Hey! Now cut that out!!! Cynicism is not Sinacism!
UCG presidents have spent several years on the message "we need more unity". I'm sure everyone is in favour of greater unity in-principle, however there are some things that throw a spanner in the works for that objective: sincere doctrinal differences, objections to the ethics of some church leaders, objection to the idea that "unity" means "you must conform to this particular cultural norm". Various COG including UCG impose a certain amount of pressure to conform doctrinally and culturally, and to submit to church authority. But, preaching on unity hasn't really provided any guidance on how we may make genuine progress on resolving the issues and differences that are barriers to unity.
The playbook inherited from Herbert Armstrong is: this is the true church with the [plain] truth, and Christ reliably leads the church through its leaders. So, if you have any doctrinal differences, then you need to understand how we're right and you're wrong, and unity means you should change your ideas accordingly.
To refer to the "one does not simply" meme — "one does not simply believe what one is told to".
It's awkward for those of us who share some common beliefs (Sabbath) and wish to fellowship peacefully on that basis, but don't agree with other doctrines that are part of the package deal (British Israelism, 6000 years of human history, Jesus is returning very soon, etc).
Hey! Just noticed something about the seal! It's not a pinniped at all, so I don't know why they even call it a seal. It's Europe and Africa!
Pablum
RSK = UCG Pastors wife. When she mock writes about 'pimping females in ucg' she means trying to destroy marriages with lies, rumors and gossip and trying to pair married UCG members up with unmarried people. UCG members know.
We haven't attended UCG for 18 years, but are still considered "members". How's that for unity?
It’s self serving to love others?
In fairness, it *was* a pretty cool seal. I admired it back when I was the age of the kid with the lion and the lamb.
Speaking as a non-UCG member, their logo isn't terrible either.
Libro
Now I've switched genders and I'm a pastor's wife instead of a pastor? This tale gets more interesting all the time. Well, girls can pimp too! Bitchez betta have mah money!
Granted, I am still trying to decide if these hoez just aint bringing home the bacon no more and I should be trading them in for some COGWA bitchez. Bitchez aint shit but hoez and tricks, baby.
"safe sects"
or rather, keep yourselves from idles?
Why not let "Jelly" figure some o' that out.
“UCG Members Asked To Reflect Upon Their Church Name And Its Meaning”
Calling it “United” is a LIE.
Calling it “of God” is a LIE.
This means that these people are outright liars!!
The ghetto-dweller has revealed his true color.
Maybe, UCG thinking is a little along the same lines as the "sacred names" movement. They both are getting so hung up on a name and the more important things are what HIS name means and what HE does.
There is reflecting "upon" the name of their church, and "reflecting" the name of their church. Perhaps what Elvis really meant was that he wanted members to contemplate, and then begin to reflect the name as good examples.
Weird.
'It's awkward for those of US who share some common beliefs (sabbath) and wish to fellowship peacefully on that basis, but don't agree with other doctrines...'
Is that the truth 6:52? Because i very much doubt it's the truth. It's the latest spin you want to dish out. 'I wish to fellowship in peace' yet that's not the reality you bring. You bring never ending trouble, bullying, manipulated situations to cause distress to others, spiritual assasination, gossip and incredible cruelty when you think you can get away with it.
You proclaim wanting peace to some at the front door. whilst pushing others out the backdoor. If you want peace then shouldn't you have shown it? For Adolf Hitler repeatedly claimed he wanted peace. He was even called a peaceful leader yet behind the scenes he had an evil heart.
The," United Church of God" is one of many, " Church of God" splinters. Can you realistically call that, "United"? Also I believe that God works through individuals not through religious institutions, so no church is the "Church of God"!
Actually, there's a better analogy, 4:30. Throughout history, a never-ending series of new names have been applied to feces. What ever inoffensive name you choose to apply does not rid it of its pungent odor. It must be "rendered" in some way in order to turn it into something other than a biohazard. Call it what you may, but Armstrongism is a spiritual biohazard!
It's almost reminiscent of a recent event in air travel history.
Pilot: "Tower, requesting permission to return to the airport immediately due to a biohazard on the plane!"
Tower: "Please explain biohazard!"
Pilot: "A passenger became ill and sprayed diarrhea up and down the aisle!"
UCG is an individual international organisation using the word United. It is not responsible for other COG groups.
Is every Christian an island? How can iron sharpen iron ? How can individuals conduct Feast of Tabernacles?
That is the question… how can anyone keep the feast of tabernacles without the temple in Jerusalem
The word “church” is translated from the Greek ekklesia. The Greek actually means assembly or called out assembly or congregation. The meaning of ekkleisa was changed in the fourth century and came to mean church. The word church actually has a pagan origin. So I have news for you boys. Using the title “Church of God” is not even biblical.
Anon, Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 3:25:06 PM PST, wrote:
The word “church” is translated from the Greek ekklesia. The Greek actually means assembly or called out assembly or congregation. The meaning of ekkleisa was changed in the fourth century and came to mean church. The word church actually has a pagan origin. So I have news for you boys. Using the title “Church of God” is not even biblical.
******
Not to muddy these translation waters too much, but isn't the Greek language, like the English language, of pagan origin also?
Additionally, there is some future news:
"For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent." Zeph 3:9
Will this LORD keep His promise to turn people to a "pure language?"
Time will tell...
John
2:31 I refer you to God's advice, relied by the Prophet Jeremiah to the exiles after the fall of Jerusalem. The way of the exile.
11:11:13 You went straight for comparing me to Adolf Hitler. I didn't think my post was that terrible. Usually you should get to know someone a bit more first.
The name "United" almost suggests that the founders' hopes were that if you showed them a better Church of God model, the emerging splinters would ultimately come together under that banner, in similar fashion to United Artists", labor unions who use the name "United Brotherhood of..." or, heck, even the United States of America.
If that was their hope either their model was flawed, or it was the perpetuation of something which was already terminally flawed. I'm sure the COGWA splinter was a shock for all parties involved.
I suspect that eventually, as the contraction becomes more isolating for members, many will be absorbed by the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Your peaceful proclamations that you only want to peacfully dwell with UCG, sharing common beliefs on the Sabbath, whilst wanting differences in culture and doctrine, not believing in other UCG doctrines you list, is a lie. A cold lie.
A lie of gesturing peace when you have no peace in you. The way of peace you do not know.
Adolf Hitler is referenced because he was called the 'Prince of peace' in 1930's. His name was put forward in a Nobel Peace prize nomination letter in 1939! Hitler even gave peace speeches. British Prime Minister Chamberlain was deceived into proclaming "Peace in our time" Hitler even signed a peace document Chamberlain waved to the world.
But Chamberlain learnt his lesson, as during the 60 day stand off, after Dunkirk fiasco when many of the War Cabinet led by Anthony Eden wanted a negiociated surrender to Nazi Germany, it was Chamberlain who swung the vote and sided with Churchill as never surrendering to evil.
I hope not. Ellen G. White was a false prophet preaching a false gospel as well. Hopefully they find Jesus when they leave this mess.
And your not of the world?
I hear tell on the internet that if some of the COGlodytes are visiting a town that doesn't have a splinter, they'll visit an SDA church for sabbath services.
You mean my next door neighbor? No, he certainly isn't Christ, but him and his partners have some awesome old Chevies.
Some good points, 11:27, but if UCG (or should I say, the "ordained elders") would have known the way of peace they would have reconciled with the COGWAites instead of letting them drift away into rebellion.
And not only that, if they would have been treating their OWN members fairly this would not have happened.
Remember that Israel (the church) was split up because of Solomon's (UCG's) sins, not because Jeroboam (the COGWAites) was such a bad guy who wanted control of the country's (UCG's) resources because he thought he could do a better job than the one (UCG) that he deemed incompetent.
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